From childhood holidays on the east coast of Scotland to a career in luxury travel and yachting, Emma has always been drawn to places that inspire a sense of adventure.
Now based in Sydney, she leads marketing at The Superyacht People, bringing together creative campaigns, compelling digital marketing and the stories that make each yacht and experience distinctive. We caught up with Emma to talk about her journey into yachting, the yacht that stopped her in her tracks at Monaco Yacht Show and why Norway’s fjords are at the top of her travel list.
I grew up holidaying on the east coast of Scotland, so the sea was a big part of my childhood, although I never imagined I would end up working in yachting.
Travelling first led me into the travel industry. After spending some time exploring the world, I moved to London and began working in luxury travel before joining a team specialising in tailor-made adventures and yacht expeditions. That was my introduction to yachting, and I became increasingly involved in that side of the business before eventually moving to Sydney and joining The Superyacht People.
I look after marketing at The Superyacht People, so I’m involved in everything from our website and emails to campaigns, launches and the way we introduce new yachts to the market.
I work closely with the team to understand what makes each yacht or experience special and determine how we can bring that to life. Some days are more creative, pulling together ideas, words and imagery, while others are spent planning what’s coming up or looking at how a campaign has performed. There are usually several things on the go at once, and no two days are ever the same.
I love that there is always something that makes me want to pack a bag. I can be working on a campaign and come across a destination I had never considered, or hear about a trip from the team and immediately add it to my list. Having worked in travel for years, I still get excited by that. The difficult part is narrowing down where I actually want to go next.
That I’m not actually on yachts all the time! I think people see what we post and imagine that’s where I’m spending my day. Most of the time, I’m at my desk in Sydney, probably looking at the same beautiful yacht photos they are.
But every time I step on board, I’m still taken aback by the scale of it all. Even when you have spent hours looking at the photos, seeing a yacht in person is something else.
Monaco Yacht Show would have to be it. I knew it would be impressive, but I don’t think I was quite prepared for that many incredible yachts in one place, with tenders coming and going and people visiting from all over the world. You don’t really know where to look. A yacht that would attract everyone’s attention anywhere else is sitting beside 10 others that are just as impressive.
For me, the yacht that really stood out at the 2025 show was the Giorgio Armani-designed ADMIRAL. Seeing the pieces created specifically for the yacht and learning how closely Armani had been involved in the design made it particularly memorable. You could spend hours exploring that yacht alone, then step outside and remember that there was still an entire harbour to see.
I think it would have to be Norway, heading north towards Skjervøy to see the orcas. I would happily plan the entire trip around them. Spending a few days cruising through the fjords by yacht, with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights as well, would be incredible.
Although, ask me on another day and I might say Italy: stopping for swims, exploring coastal towns and heading ashore for long lunches.
I’d spend most of the day in the water, swimming and snorkelling, followed by some time lying in the sun before heading ashore to wander around a little coastal town. By the evening, I’d be back on deck with a glass of wine, watching the sunset and taking in wherever we had ended up.
Usually out for a sunrise walk by the coast or in the kitchen baking a loaf of sourdough. There is still so much of Australia I want to see, so whenever I get the chance, I’m off exploring somewhere new. That might mean a weekend away or simply finding a different beach closer to home.
Whether you have a question, an idea to share or an opportunity to explore, start a conversation with Emma.
For general enquiries, industry collaborations, or media opportunities:
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Emma Salvesen 